Uniquely and for the first time, high school students from Hong Kong and around the world can apply directly for Year 1 entry to the elite Joint Bachelor’s Degree Programme (JBDP) run by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and Columbia University, starting from the 2026/27 academic year, enabling students to earn degrees from both institutions upon graduation, providing a global perspective and a competitive edge in the job market.
The JBDP includes 12 four-year dual-degree programmes offered by CityUHK, including Computing Mathematics and Physics. Students admitted through this programme will spend the first two years at CityUHK, followed by their third and fourth years at Columbia University, where they will complete major-specific and core courses. Spending two years at each institution enables them to earn bachelor’s degrees from both institutions upon graduation.
Upon enrolment, both CityUHK and Columbia University will assign dedicated academic advisors to provide students with academic and personal guidance and support.
This innovative programme will accept applications from students with qualifications such as the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE), International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A-Level), and Standardized Assessment Test (SAT), allowing them to plan their academic journey early at the high school graduation stage.
Applicants must meet both the general entrance requirements and programme-specific requirements for CityUHK and Columbia University. Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) applicants are expected to obtain an HKDSE overall score of 24.5 or above (counting 3 core subjects and 2 elective subjects, except “Citizenship and Social Development” with the best results).
Eligible JUPAS applicants are advised to first submit an application to City University of Hong Kong programme listed as one of the Band A choices via JUPAS by 3 December, 2025 (no separate JUPAS or non-JUPAS code for the Joint Bachelor’s Degree Programmes between CityUHK and Columbia University); and then submit a separate online application form at Columbia University online application portal; as well as upload supporting documents as detailed on CityUHK-Columbia website by 2 January, 2026 (NYC time). Shortlisted candidates invited for an interview will be notified in February of each calendar year by email.
Late applications will not be considered. For details, please check the CityUHK-Columbia website.